Testimonials

Praise for Carmella and her Sunny Raw Kitchen blog

As a busy Natural Health Practitioner and Herbalist I encourage all my patients to include more raw foods into their diet. While I have personal experience of the power of a raw diet in healing, I have always been keen to admit that I found it difficult at times. Then I came across Carmella and her Sunny Raw Kitchen blog and haven’t looked back since. With her friendly encouraging approach to learning about raw foods, her amazing pictures of her creations, and the many helpful additional comments and encouragement, I truly felt like I had found an inspiring mentor. For the last few years I have shared Carmella with all my patients so they can feel inspired to try raw food, from simple to complex recipes and feel her work is an important aid in my healing practice.

- Joanne Oliver, Herbalist & Intuitive Healer, UK

Carmella’s recipes are gems! I absolutely adore the love and detail that she puts into each one. We eat with our eyes first and her recipes are certainly “eye candy,” always followed by taste bud approval!

- Stacy in Lancaster, PA

I’m not all raw, but I love Carmella’s blog and how lovingly she draws food into the process and exploration of her life. I’ve recommended her blog to all sorts of people, and everyone finds something to bring away with them.

While many raw food chefs have some good recipes, I know that anything that is Carmella (and Don) approved is going to taste lovely and never have any hesitation to make an investment in making [it]. Her focus, good humor, and creativity somehow come through the food and when I sit down to eat, it feels like [I’m] sharing a meal with a friend. I’ve struggled a lot to find food that is not only good for me, but good to me, and, in spite of owning just about every raw (and other) cookbook out there, I consistently choose Carmella’s recipes. It’s wonderful to choose to eat raw food not because I “should,” but because it’s fun and tastes better than anything else.

- Noelle from Iowa

We have access to the whole range of veggies and fruits on our organic farm, but our preparation of them was always very traditional. The Sunny Raw Kitchen opened us up to a truly holistic and healing way of eating, and our kids beg us to make these RAW-GONE GOOD recipes. Carmella’s style of writing and relating to raw food makes us feel like she’s a neighbor, and more importantly, makes us want to eat raw. Thanks to the Sunny Raw Kitchen, our family is on a road of health, joy, and dang good eatin’!

- Aimee

The Sunny Raw Kitchen blog, and this blog alone, has single handedly sparked my inner most desires in living foods. From the moment I began reading it, I was instantly captivated and curious about raw foods and their benefits … I don’t believe mere words could describe how deeply Carmella has enriched my life, but from the depths of my soul … I truly thank you for opening up such a beautiful and fruitful world to me.

- Stephanie, Ontario, Canada

I love Carmella’s generous and easygoing approach to food and life … She has inspired me to also partake of this deliciously healthful and kind diet; I have been sprouting, juicing and dehydrating for the past year or so.

- Laurel

Carmella’s passion never ends! She never ceases to amaze me with her creations … Every recipe I have ever tried is always FANTASTIC! Carmella is truly one of the best in the raw food world! Thank you for sharing your sunshine with us!

- Debra, California

Her writing is fun, her sense of humor delightful and only surpassed by her delectable raw dishes which are both easy to make and wonderful to eat! Certainly looking forward to enjoying the continuing saga of her raw journey!

- Roger from Phoenix

Carmella’s blog is my favorite! Why? Because she educates about healthy raw (which is more of a challenge than the overly “nutty” kind of raw) and she puts so much effort into making her recipes exact! I always know I can peruse her index (and her fabulous raw ebooks), get excited about a new recipe, and know that it will come out perfectly! Now that’s something!

- Sarah, Los Angeles

I was exploring the internet to find easy to make recipes that my whole family would enjoy. Let me say that I found the mother lode of the most awesome recipes right there on her site. I just didn’t know where to start or which one to make first. My family and I have enjoyed every recipe that I have tried. I can’t wait to get my hands on her new book, I will be among the many who will cherish and savor every recipe. Thank you, Carmella, for making a difference in everyone’s life!

- Karolynn in Ridgecrest

Carmella’s Sunny Raw Kitchen has been such a delightful blessing for me in these past couple [of] years since I became a raw foodist. I keep coming back to the recipes thanks to the variety, strong visuals, and doable instructions. Always natural, warm, and bright, she is the perfect guide on raw cuisine adventures! I love her wise expertise and moxie to explore – which enables me to achieve delectable raw creations. What an amazing gift!

- Like Mercury

I absolutely love Carmella’s blog. One day … I was searching and searching for any and everything online that could help inspire me to change my way of eating. I stumbled upon her blog and I am an avid reader of it now. I love all of the recipes, photos and variations she includes in her posts. This has not been an easy journey for me to start, but every time I have a doubt about staying on the raw food diet, I go to the Sunny Raw Kitchen blog and it truly inspires me … I look forward to every post she makes.

- Cassandra Smith, WI

I’m a very visual person and so Carmella’s blog is a feast for the eyes. I love the recipes, and I love the pictures … The thing is, she posts good food that looks amazing and is practical. I follow a lot of raw blogs and have quite a number of raw (un)cookbooks, but her blog really is my favorite inspiration.

The Sunny Raw Kitchen rescued me in my time of need … Besides saving me from gaining TONS of weight (which has allowed me to pass on my new passion for RAW food to others who have witnessed this), Carmella helped me make this a way of life. She makes doing things in the kitchen interesting and fun … I look forward each week to reading about the new recipe and adventure and seeing the pictures (GREAT visuals)!

- Stephanie, Los Angeles

I have yet to be disappointed in any of Carmella’s recipes and her photos are so beautiful. She makes everything so simple too.

- Marty, Wisconsin

The Sunny Raw Kitchen is the only raw food blog you’ll ever need to sign up to. The one word that would accurately describe this site ought to be ‘Zen’. You will sense the spiritual aura that emanates from the stories and the pictures so generously shared by Carmella. There are so many recipes on this blog that you are bound to find everything you seek, right here. The recipes are wholesome and the pictures are wonderful. Carmella’s comments are always helpful and the results are delightful.

- Lucie, Quebec, Canada

I live in southern Tasmania, off Southern Australia, and follow the adventures of the Sunny Raw Kitchen for my neighbours, Roger and Betty. [They] are in their late 70’s and avid raw foodists, converting the world one green smoothie at a time. They experiment with recipes from Carmella’s blog and share their delights with me. They grow all of their own veggies and loads of fruit, and despite being as far from the computer age as it gets, are possibly the most southerly Sunny Raw Kitchen fans in the world.

- Jodi, Tasmania

The Sunny Raw Kitchen blog is brim full with Carmella’s truly sunny nature and her excellent recipes and advice. It’s been my companion and inspiration on the journey to eating more raw.

- Elizabeth, Johannesburg, South Africa

The Sunny Raw Kitchen is my favorite blog about raw food because it offers lots of tested recipes, posts on a regular basis, [and has] great pictures. [It] has selflessly invited me into Carmella’s and Don’s lives to learn more about this lifestyle, to appreciate the effort and knowledge they share, and inspire me to be a better and healthier person.

- Bonnie in Gautier, Mississippi

I absolutely adore all the work that Carmella has put in her blog and books. They are for readers who prefer food that in one way is easy to make, [yet] looks astonishing, delicate and ‘not at all raw’.

- Karina, Denmark

Carmella and the Raw Freedom Community are the inspiration behind my going into raw foods! The RFC recipes … are the most helpful on the internet because they are tried and true, and offer comments and modifications, so I, even I, can be successful!! … When I want to know about new recipes or books, I go to RFC first – and usually don’t need to go anywhere else!

- Christina, Utah

Carmella’s blog, website and wonderful recipes bring me to what makes ALL “cooking” so wonderful for me…The Joy! These recipes bring me back time and time again to my love of food and to the absolute joy of experiencing the beauty and soul nourishment of food.

It brings me to the joy of raw food, not the drudgery or why I “should” be raw. There is not a feeling of self-righteousness, preachy-ness, or rigidity. It is about celebration…about sharing…about JOY!

- Dr. Kat Bowie, Kansas City, Missouri USA

I love the way Carmella’s recipes combine great taste, great nutrition and a visual sensation! Her blog posts are a delightful peek into her raw food lifestyle and a true inspiration to the world of living food! Always a joy to read.

- Fiona, Australia

(It was) a wonderful surprise [when] I started to receive Carmella’s newsletter with all [the] outstanding and incredible recipes … Reading [it] I learned that raw food is more than making up a salad and I was so impressed about her creativity and, more importantly, her willingness to share with others about her knowledge, experience, and journey… Also, it is admirable how she is so committed to share what she learned but also what other people in the raw community is doing … I certainly thank you for your dedication to teach and enlighten many of us who want to make a difference in ourselves and in our society.

You and this blog are an inspiration, having been one of the first resources for “do-able” raw foods that I was lucky enough to find. Thank you so much for continuing to share your spirit and gifts!

- REALfoodPharmacist

I have been following Carmella since the beginning of the Raw Freedom Community. Her passion for raw foods is evident in the community she has helped shape. Carmella exhibits a kindred spirit and her knowledge of living foods is overflowing.

What I like about Carmella’s recipes and blog, is that she makes preparing raw foods easy and fun. My favorite recipe is her Strawberry Shortcake. The “whipped cream” is my favorite.

Despite not being as active in the Raw Freedom Community as I was at inception, I still feel blessed to have come in “contact” with the family that surrounds it.

Thank you Carmella and Don for all that you do!

- Carolyn, Florida

I adore your blog even though i’m not totally raw. it gives me great ideas for uncooking along with outrageous stories and daring adventures. i have wanted to drive around the country for years so of course i followed your journey with interest, when i saw you uncooking in a campsite, oh my god, i just wonder how you did it. and then you made those chocolates in the tent, i guess anything is possible.

- Pam, Santa Barbara

I like your blog and your recipes, because I can make it by myself; with my baby I do not have much time and your recipes are simple and have good instruction. I like raw food and actually it save my life … I just try to eat very very healthy as much as possible. I tried many many recipes from your blog and we all love it.

- Micheala, Vienna

I found your raw food blog when I was first exploring [the] raw food diet and continue to follow your antics as you travel about your country spreading your happy selves and delicious food!

I live in Australia so don’t have the pleasure of inviting you to our part of paradise, but from here enjoy the inspiration you share on your journey. I am happy to have this opportunity to thank you and Don for giving so generously your amazing knack with food combining, blending, processing and enjoying! As a bonus I also get to see your pic album of places I may never visit.

I am really excited you have put together a new book, your last 2 have become dog eared and join my grandmothers hand written recipe book.

I LOVE turning my friends onto your food-so many of your recipes are now family favs! Thank you!

- Kitty Crain from Northern NSW, Australia

Praise for Carmella’s “The Best of Raw Freedom Community”

Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment! Thank you for everything you do for the Raw community.

- Kristen Suzanne of Kristen’s Raw

Since I found Carmella’s blog and the Raw Freedom Community I have pretty much ignored all my raw food cookbooks and basically any other sites as well. This is an amazing book. I highly suggest everyone getting a copy. Now I can’t wait to get Carmella’s first book too.

- Becky

I own just about every raw food un-cook book there is. This ebook is my absolute favorite! It is so beautiful and professionally done. My husband and children really couldn’t stand the “exotic” concoctions in other books but have absolutely loved what they call the “normal” recipes in “The Best of RFC”. It’s making our full transition to raw food so easy. None of us have cravings and no one is complaining – and that’s saying a lot for kids aged 11 and 13.

- Pam

Carmella’s The Best of Raw Freedom Community was my first raw recipe book and is the one that I use the most! I love the recipes and the amazing things that you can prepare with simple ingredients! Thanks for sharing and for being such an inspiration for all of us!

- Lau-raw from Mexico

I recently bought “The Best of RFC” ebook – it feels much more like a gift, not a purchase thanks to Carmella’s amazing creativity and generosity. I appreciate the fact that she put the effort into being able to give actual measurements so we can “get it right” without having to guess. I know that the whole thing took lots of love and work. Love, love, love her blog! Please keep up the amazing work and thanks again for sharing.

- Sarah

My goooodness, I have been poking at this ebook for a little while — since I found it in my inbox… and it’s AMAZING! So many good recipes, pictures, useful information!

- Eva Rawposa of Uncooking 101

Praise for Carmella and her Delightfully Raw

This book is a treasure. The photos, layout, typeface – everything – it’s vibrant, a “talking book” for the soul!

- Jean

I had the pleasure of meeting Carmella a few times and having extended conversations. She is an amazing, down to earth, realistic person. The last time I saw her, she had this book published. I own so so many Raw, Vegan, Paleo books but I have to say, this is at the top of the list. It’s a no-frills, information packed book with plenty of easy and mouthwatering dishes (and color photos for almost every recipe). Who else has step-by-step recipes for Kombucha, KimChi and Irish Moss? Her blog, as well as Kristen-Suzanne’s Raw Blog spot, are my favorites. Both down to earth ladies who primary goal is to deliver a lot of information to you (and not to sell you on their products and seminars.). If you purchase this book, you will not be disappointed.

- Janine Henkel

I bought this book after I started a sugar/carb cleanse which involves eating only veggies and animal protein for two weeks. I was running out of ideas how to cook with veggies and a friend suggested this book. All the ingredients are easy to find – in fact 95% of them I got at my local grocery store! The food is easy to prepare and does not need a bunch of steps or crazy gizmos! Not only are they easy to make (and most of them call for similar items) but they are delicious! And the desserts are to die for! My kids never even guessed that it was a vegan dessert! I loved it so much and it was so much fun cooking the recipes, that I have gone raw for most of my diet and lost 7 pounds the first 4 days!! I love eating and not being remorseful afterwards!

- r_webb21

I think you are very generous to post your recipes so that people can access them for free. I have purchased delightfully raw and am really impressed by the recipes but also your advice. As a newbie who has purchased other ebooks, your philosophy for transitioning to raw really resonates with me and is really helping me. I hope that people don’t do themselves the disservice of just getting your recipes from the website and missing the insights that you have included in your book. Thank you so much!

- Janine Field from Western Australia

Not having lots of time to prepare long, complicated recipes, it was good to find that Delightfully Raw contains a good mix of simple, everyday recipes, as well as more sophisticated recipes for special occasions, or when you feel like a step up from soups and salads. I have tried a few of the soups, which were delicious, and I made the Strawberry Shortcake for a Christmas desert. Very tasty and not at all complicated.

- Fiona Cristian, Australia

I recently had the opportunity to review this recipe book, and I have to say, it’s the best raw recipe book out there for my taste… She takes gorgeous photos to illustrate her books and her blog is full of scrumptious recipes too. Her pictures don’t just inspire me to get up the nerve to make a delicious raw creation, but they often cause me to drool and crave! The raw desserts this woman makes are ten times more divine than anything baked. I also like her take on snacks which I could live on.

I highly recommend this book for raw foodies and for those just starting out. The recipes are often simple but elegant, nutritious, and I mostly like ’em because of the deliciouness quotient! I have 8 or 9 raw food recipe books on my shelf, and scour the web for good recipes too, and I can say with integrity that this book is a raw winner!